Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim have reaffirmed their commitment to deepen bilateral relations into a future-oriented strategic partnership, during a high-level meeting at Perdana Putra, Putrajaya, on Tuesday, August 12.
The two leaders held a private discussion followed by a delegation-level meeting with senior officials, where they explored ways to expand cooperation across trade, investment, migration, energy, the blue economy, education, and cultural exchange.
The meeting marked a significant step in strengthening ties between the two nations, as Bangladesh seeks to diversify its international partnerships and deepen regional engagement.
“A unique partner” - bonds of solidarity and shared interests
At the start of the official talks, Professor Yunus highlighted the deep historical, religious, and cultural ties between Bangladesh and Malaysia. “Malaysia is a unique partner for Bangladesh,” he said, “particularly in the areas of human resources, trade, and people-to-people connections.”
Prime Minister Anwar welcomed Professor Yunus as a “friend of Malaysia” and commended his leadership of the interim government over the past year. He underscored the importance of expanding trade, improving migrant welfare, and working together on the Rohingya crisis.
The Chief Adviser expressed gratitude for Malaysia’s humanitarian support, particularly for facilitating the entry of nearly 8,000 stranded Bangladeshi workers through simplified visa protocols. He also praised the introduction of multiple-entry visas, which allow workers to return home in emergencies without risking job loss.
Both leaders stressed the need for transparent and fair recruitment processes to reduce costs and protect the rights of migrant workers.
Pushing for skilled labour and legal recognition
Overseas Employment Adviser Asif Nazrul urged Malaysia to expand recruitment of skilled Bangladeshi professionals, including doctors, engineers, security personnel, and caregivers, into the public sector. He noted that BAOESL, Bangladesh’s state-owned employment service, is now equipped to support recruitment for Malaysian companies.
Nazrul also called for measures to legalise undocumented Bangladeshi workers in Malaysia, many of whom remain in vulnerable conditions.
In response, Malaysian officials confirmed that Bangladeshi workers will now be entitled to equal social security benefits as local workers and will be able to file complaints in Bengali, a major step toward inclusion and protection.
Bangladesh also requested the introduction of a “Graduate Pass” visa to allow Bangladeshi students, currently numbering around 10,000, to remain in Malaysia temporarily after graduation to seek employment.
Economic cooperation and regional engagement
On the economic front, both sides agreed to accelerate negotiations on a Bangladesh-Malaysia Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and strengthen investment ties through Special Economic Zones (SEZs). They also agreed to reactivate the Bangladesh-Malaysia Joint Business Council.
With Bangladesh facing a growing trade deficit, Dhaka urged greater market access for its pharmaceuticals, batteries, footwear, ceramics, and jute products.
Bangladesh proposed the establishment of a Halal Economic Zone outside Dhaka and sought Malaysia’s technical and financial support in developing its blue economy and halal industries. It also expressed interest in joining the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), with Malaysia’s support.
Energy, defence, and cultural ties
The two countries welcomed the signing of new MoUs on LNG supply and energy cooperation; defence collaboration; think tank cooperation between the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) and ISIS Malaysia; business chamber collaboration between BMCCI and MIMES; and cooperation between FBCCI and NCCIM.
Additional three exchange of notes also covered diplomatic training; halal industry development; and higher education partnerships.
Both nations also agreed to explore renewable energy partnerships, including solar and wind projects.
Cultural ties were also highlighted, with Prime Minister Anwar expressing deep admiration for Rabindranath Tagore and proposing a regional cultural conference featuring prominent Asian writers and thinkers.
Rohingya crisis and ASEAN ties
Professor Yunus invited Malaysia to participate in the upcoming Cox’s Bazar Conference on the Rohingya Crisis and the UN-hosted International Conference on the Rohingya Issue in New York in September. He thanked Malaysia for its continued humanitarian and diplomatic support for the displaced Rohingya population.
The two leaders also discussed Bangladesh’s aspiration to achieve Sectoral Dialogue Partner status with ASEAN, with Malaysia pledging support during its upcoming ASEAN chairmanship.
Upon arrival at the Prime Minister’s office, Professor Yunus was accorded a red carpet welcome and a guard of honour, a mark of high diplomatic respect.
After the talks, Prime Minister Anwar hosted a luncheon in honour of the Chief Adviser at his official residence.
The Bangladesh delegation included Foreign Affairs Adviser Towhid Hossain, Energy Adviser Fawzul Kabir Khan, National Security Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman, Special Envoy Lutfe Siddiqui, BIDA Chairman Chowdhury Ashiq Mahmud Bin Harun, SDG Coordinator Dr Lamia Morshed, and Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam.
Professor Yunus is on a three-day official visit to Malaysia from 11 to 13 August 2025, aimed at revitalising bilateral ties and positioning Bangladesh as a reliable partner in Southeast Asia.